The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Union Rail Division has issued a statement regarding Union Pacific’s proposed $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern. The union is monitoring the development, highlighting concerns about the impact on community safety, job security, workers’ rights, competition, and the long-term stability of the freight rail industry.
In its statement, the IAM Union Rail Division called for transparency during the Surface Transportation Board’s regulatory review process. “The IAM Union Rail Division urges complete transparency throughout the Surface Transportation Board’s regulatory review process and will fight to protect our members’ jobs, rights, and livelihoods. We hope that this merger will value workers over the corporate bottom line,” the division said.
The union emphasized its commitment to public safety and economic security for its members as discussions around the merger continue. “Our priority remains the safety of the public and the economic security of our members. As this proposal progresses, we will use every available resource to hold carriers and regulators accountable,” according to the statement.
The IAM Rail Division includes members from both the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) and IAM District 19. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents approximately 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America.
